Southeast Foundation Repair

Crawl Space Foundation and Repair in North Carolina

Does your house have a crawl space foundation? This type of foundation can be used for an entire house, or just to build an addition on an existing house. A little understanding about this type of foundation will go a long way toward helping you find solutions to crawl space problems.

Crawl space pros & cons.

Crawl space foundations have always been popular because they can be built quickly and more economically than basement foundations. When properly constructed, a crawl space foundation provides a solid, secure, long-lasting base for a building. The crawl space walls and posts elevate the wood framing above ground level, allowing the first floor to be insulated easily while also helping to protect wood from being damaged by moisture in the soil.
Crawl space foundations have a few disadvantages. For one thing, a crawl space can be dark, damp and cramped. If you need to work in this confined space, it’s not going to be easy. Insects and rodents are common inhabitants in unfinished crawl spaces, and they can actually damage insulation, wood and wiring. Unless a crawlspace has been properly sealed and waterproofed, moisture is likely to be a problem. Excessive moisture in this enclosed space will enable mold to grow and can cause wood to rot. If the crawl space contains ductwork, HVAC components or a water heater, this equipment is likely to be damaged as steel parts rust. Radon is another possible concern in a crawl space, especially if the crawl space has a dirt floor.

Types of crawl space foundations.

Most crawl space foundations have poured concrete or concrete block perimeter walls. A typical crawl space foundation will have at least one vent (usually a screened opening) per side and a single access door. The foundation floor can be dirt, poured concrete, or dirt that is covered with a moisture barrier; the last two options are more desirable. Mid-span support is often required for floor joists that span between crawl space walls, and this is usually provided by posts that rest on concrete piers or footings.

Fixing crawl space problems.

Bad conditions in a crawl space can easily affect the rest of the house and the people in it. If crawl space walls have cracked, bowed or crumbled, these structural issues should be corrected by a foundation repair specialist. Foundation posts in a crawl space sometimes shift off their supports. If this is the case, or if the floor above the crawl space has sagged or become too springy, professional crawl space repair will also be necessary. At Southeast Foundation Repair we are experienced foundation repair contractors able to determine if crawl space waterproofing and/or encapsulation can solve your moisture problems.

Your Local Basement Waterproofing Contractors

If you live in North Carolina and are interested in repairing your crawl space, Southeast Foundation Repair has what you need to solve your wet crawl space problem!  We offer free, no-obligation crawl space repair quotes to all homeowners in our area- call or contact us online today to get started!